USCIS Accepts Green Card Applications for Liberian Foreign Nationals

 Posted on February 27, 2020 in Immigration

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that controls the country’s naturalization and immigration system. There have been many changes to immigration laws under the current White House administration, often garnering a lot of news coverage. For those seeking asylum in the United States, understanding the required legal process is the first step in entering the country lawfully. The USCIS recently declared that it will accept applications to adjust the status for select Liberian nationals to lawful permanent resident (LPR). This adjustment is possible according to the National Defense Authorization Act’s “Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness” (LRIF) doctrine starting for the Fiscal Year 2020.

What Are the Qualifications for LPR Adjustment of Status?

Lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as Green Card holders, are non-citizens who are legally allowed to live in the United States on a permanent basis. To qualify for a Green Card with LRIF, a Liberian national must meet several criteria before applying, such as the following:

• File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Is a national of Liberia
• Has been residing in the United States for a continuous period from Nov. 20, 2014, until the date Form I-485 is correctly filed
• Is eligible for an immigrant visa
• Allowed in the United States for LPR status or is eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or another type of relief

It is also important to know that the spouses, unwed children under 21, and unwed offspring who are age 21 or older of qualifying Liberian nationals may also be entitled to permanent residence. The USCIS will accept properly filed applications until Dec. 20, 2020, which is approximately one year from when the LRIF was put into place.

Who Is Not Eligible for LPR Under LRIF?

A Liberian is not eligible for adjustment of status under the LRIF if he or she has:

• Been convicted of an aggravated felony
• Been convicted of at least two (or more) crimes of moral turpitude
• Ordered, assisted, instigated, or engaged in the mistreatment of another person based on race, nationality, religion, member of a specific societal group, or political view

Contact an Illinois Immigration Lawyer

The U.S. immigration process involves many legal steps and procedures. The USCIS website is continually updated to reflect any changes to the laws. It is also imperative that you have skilled legal counsel if you or your loved one is starting the immigration process. The award-winning attorneys at the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, P.C. have handled numerous immigration cases and know what it takes to achieve successful outcomes for their clients. Our compassionate Illinois immigration attorneys can guide you through any issue related to immigration. Call us today at 630-932-9100 to schedule your free consultation.